Reflection by Loretta Sunderland
In the early moments of this day, as the sun peeks over the tree-tops, I grab that first cup of coffee, and allow the warmth that emanates from that held cup to warm my hands. I turn my face towards the sun streaming through my window and I think “Oh God, you are so good!” And in that moment, I realize that yes.... “The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” (Psalm 23:1tpt)
It’s here and now that God reminds me that no matter what may be shaking my world, our world, “He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet place of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life.” (Psalm 23:2 tpt)
“So why should I fear the future?(Psalm 23: 6a, tpt). When I allow myself to sit and ponder this “Oasis of peace” that God gives, to provide myself space to ponder this peace and allow it to envelope me...my mind, my body and my soul, I sense a fresh infilling of God’s Spirit. And there is a knowing in my spirit that rises up and I KNOW, that I know that I know, that yes, God is with me. I never walk alone. And I find in the midst of this time we find ourselves in, of “social distancing” and “sheltering in place” the “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Phil.4:7). A peace that is greatly needed and is so available.
So, yes, “How good to center down.” How good to sit....listen.... and reflect on the goodness of God’s love and care for us. Amen? Amen!
In these days we find ourselves walking in, I believe it’s also important to remember who we are and whose we are. In John’s gospel we are reminded that Jesus is the “Living Vine” and we are the branches. As we live in union with him as our true source - fruitfulness will stream from within us. So, we abide, we stay connected to the Vine.
When I think on the vine, I’ve got to be honest, I think of the “kudzu” plant. You know the plant that grows rampant and out-of-control in the southern parts of the United States? As I’ve traveled, especially in Kentucky, I’ve been drawn to how the kudzu has taken over and covered so many plants, trees or anything else that’s been left unattended. To me.... there’s a kind of beauty it creates. And so I allow my imagination to create beautiful images. Sort of like, as children, when we would lay flat on the ground, look up at the sky, and watch the clouds move across the sky, changing shape and allowing our imaginations to run free.
This day when I think of the kudzu I think of the Father's love, protection, and care. Crazy thought.....you may say....yet......I think of Jesus as our vine, “I am the true sprouting vine and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father.” (John 15:1 tpt). The Father cares so very much for us....the branches. “As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you - .....But when you live separated from me you are powerless.” (John 15:5 tpt)
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You know what I’m thinking? Yep, the kudzu plant may be almost unstoppable. Yet I truly love the picture that forms in my mind of kudzu being Gods’ Word and Love overtaking me and overtaking the world!! Unstoppable!!!
“Remain (stay) in me, as I also remain (stay) in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain (stay) in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain (stay) in me.” (John 15:4 tpt)
“It’s not what we have in life but who we have in our lives that matters.” (Jim Laurence)
How good it is to center down! Amen & Amen!
Loretta Sunderland serves as a Pastor at Hayward Wesleyan Church in Hayward, Wisconsin. Over the years, Loretta has developed a passion for encountering God in the quiet, still spaces, which is contrary to her nature of being neither quiet nor still. Her home on the lake in the beautiful Wisconsin northwoods, and nature everywhere, is her favorite office and inspiration. Loretta enjoys ushering others into the sacred present so they, too, may encounter Christ's presence in each moment and life circumstance.